Full Breakdown
Sophie Cunningham Partners with Adidas to Elevate Girls' Basketball
11/23/2025, 9:18:35 PM
Sophie Cunningham Classic: A Growing Legacy
Sophie Cunningham, a guard for the Indiana Fever, has announced a significant partnership with Adidas, a global sportswear giant valued at $31 billion. This collaboration aims to enhance the Sophie Cunningham Classic, an annual high school girls' basketball tournament she founded to promote and empower young female athletes. The event, which began in December 2022, has grown in scale and visibility, with the upcoming fourth edition scheduled for January 9–11, 2026, in Columbia, Missouri, Cunningham's hometown.
The tournament has previously featured 12 teams competing in 21 games, showcasing top-ranked high school players from across the United States. With Adidas stepping in as a primary sponsor, the event is expected to reach new heights in terms of resources and national recognition. Cunningham expressed her enthusiasm on Instagram, stating, “So, you guys know I do the Sophie Cunningham Classic every single year. It’s a high school girls’ basketball tournament. There is a lot of top-ranked teams in the United States, a lot of top-ranked players who are going to be at this Classic, so I’m super, super excited for that.”
Impact and Community Engagement
The Sophie Cunningham Classic not only highlights athletic talent but also emphasizes the importance of financial literacy for young athletes. In previous years, the tournament partnered with Commerce Bank to provide financial education programming, which Cunningham has described as “super special.” This focus on holistic development aims to prepare young athletes for both sports and life beyond high school.
As the tournament continues to grow, Cunningham's influence on the future of girls' basketball becomes increasingly significant. The addition of Adidas as a sponsor is expected to amplify the event's reach and impact, providing more opportunities for young female athletes to gain exposure and recognition.
Offseason Activities and Personal Growth
Cunningham's offseason has been marked by various activities, including a knee injury that limited her participation in the 2025 WNBA season. Despite only playing 30 games and averaging 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists before undergoing season-ending surgery for a torn MCL, she has remained active and engaged. Recently, she served as a celebrity caddie at The Annika Pro-Am, where she humorously channeled her inner “Happy Gilmore.”
Additionally, Cunningham is expanding her media presence through her new weekly podcast, “Show Me Something,” produced with The Volume. Alongside co-host West Wilson, she discusses a range of topics from sports to pop culture, offering fans a more personal glimpse into her life.
Official Statements & Responses
Cunningham's commitment to empowering young athletes through the Sophie Cunningham Classic has been met with enthusiasm from both fans and sponsors. Adidas's involvement is seen as a pivotal moment for the tournament, enhancing its visibility and resources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think financial education is hugely important… Having the participation of a company like that is super special to me.” — Sophie Cunningham
As Cunningham prepares for the upcoming tournament, her proactive approach during the offseason exemplifies her dedication to making a lasting impact on girls' basketball.
